12Synonyms found for moan

Word Origin & History

moan early 13c., as a noun, "complaint, lamentation," probably related to O.E. mænan "complain, moan," also "tell, intend," from P.Gmc. *main- (but OED discounts this connection). Meaning "long, low inarticulate murmur from some prolonged pain" is first recorded 1670s. The verb is first attested early 15c. as "to complain," 1724 as "to make a low, mournful sound." Related: Moaned; moaning.

Example Sentences for moan

The rides creak, moan and flash their lights at the same radically reduced rate that they turn and twitch.

Or that freight trains rumble and moan through the low-slung downtown day and night.

Other animals may whimper, moan and wail, but none sheds tears of emotion--not even our closest primate cousins.

The roommate appeared to be sleeping, but later that night began to moan.

They moan about high taxes and the crushing burden of bureaucracy.

Some sit and stare, some pace, some moan and chatter to themselves.

Businessmen moan about rigid labour laws, which there is little political will to reform.

Her laugh turned to a moan at the first ripple in her bones.

They might moan and shift around, but they do not look toward a loud hand clap or pull away from a pinch.

It gives its hand-picked representatives a bit of leeway to moan about house prices, or even corruption.